Healing in Colour: New Exhibition Showcases the Importance of Arts in Healthcare

A powerful new art exhibition, Healing in Colour, was officially launched on Wednesday, September 10 at University Hospital Galway by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Mike Cubbard. The exhibition showcases a deeply moving collection of artworks created through a series of participatory art workshops held in hospital and community settings across Galway City. Patients and visitors can view the artwork on the Arts Corridor in UHG until November 28th.

The exhibition is part of the Mending HeArts Project, an initiative that brings professional artists into healthcare and community settings to support people recovering from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Workshops took place in University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park University Hospital, and Croí the Heart and Stroke Charity, offering participants the opportunity to explore painting, printmaking, collage, and mixed media in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Cubbard praised the initiative: “This exhibition is a powerful example of how creativity belongs in our healthcare services, not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of recovery. This exhibition shows how art can support people in recovery, while also strengthening our sense of community.”

Healing in Colour celebrates the emotional journeys of those living with illness, offering a glimpse into personal stories of vulnerability, strength, and recovery. It showcases how the integration of creative practices in healthcare can enhance emotional wellbeing and community connection.

Maria Molloy, Deputy General Manager, Galway University Hospitals, said: “The Mending HeArts Project aims to create a clear pathway of support that follows patients from hospital through to their return to the community. There is a real need to embed initiatives like this into our healthcare system as part of a holistic approach, where emotional and social wellbeing are supported alongside clinical care throughout the recovery journey.”

Orla O’Donnell, Mending HeArts participant said: “[The Mending HeArts workshops] reopened experiences that I had forgotten about, and that I loved.”

Funded by Creative Ireland, the Mending HeArts project is delivered in partnership by Saolta Arts, HSE West and North West, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Croí the Heart and Stroke Charity, and Healthy Ireland. It highlights the transformative power of arts in healthcare and the impact of collaboration between government bodies and non-profits. It demonstrates how creativity can be embedded sustainably in healthcare, not as a one-off project, but as a sustainable model to enhance patient care.

About Saolta Arts
Saolta Arts runs the west of Ireland’s leading Arts and Health programme as a means of improving the hospital experience for patients, staff and visitors. We believe that access to the arts promotes well-being and enhances the hospital environment. It encourages new ways of seeing and fresh dialogue – making the hospital a place of possibilities.

Saolta Arts works with leading artists and international arts festivals to bring high-quality arts experiences to the hospital community. Their multi-disciplinary programme of events and activities includes exhibitions, music, theatre, and poetry. Their established participatory arts programme has allowed people of all ages to explore their creative potential. Participants find a more positive, productive use of their time in hospital, engaged in a way that distracts from worries and “makes time fly”.

About the Creative Ireland Programme: 
Creative Ireland is a five-year programme which connects people, creativity and wellbeing. It is an all-of-government culture and wellbeing programme that inspires and transforms people, places and communities through creativity. Creative Ireland is committed to the vision that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential.

About Galway City Council:
Galway City Council is the local authority for the City of Galway. Galway is Ireland’s third largest city with a population of 83,456. Galway City is a key driver of economic development and competitiveness on the Atlantic Economic Corridor, making a significant contribution to GDP. Galway City is a vibrant, youthful, culturally diverse city, surrounded by the breath-taking vistas of Connemara to the west, Lough Corrib to the north, and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Known the world over for its friendly people, charming streets, arts, culture and heritage, Galway is a city like no other.

About Galway County Council
Galway County Council is responsible for the administrative area of County Galway, excluding Galway City. The Council is responsible for the planning, design and construction of important infrastructures, such as roads,water supply, drainage facilities and certain social and quasi-social services, such as housing, fire stations, libraries and burial grounds. It is the custodian of the environment and through its planning and environment policies seeks to enhance the county while protecting its unique character and atmosphere. It also plays an active role in the development of the county’s industrial, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural affairs.

About Croí
At Croí, the aim is to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on the West of Ireland. Croí’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery & wellbeing. Their work is funded from the proceeds of fundraising events, voluntary contributions and philanthropy. Croí is deeply grateful for the support and endorsement of donors, supporters and volunteers who give so generously their time and resources.